On Tuesday, 14th May, Nightingale House Hospice celebrated the completion of its £5 million modernisation project with two events to showcase the state-of-the-art facilities.
The Wrexham Hospice embarked on a five-year plan to modernise its facilities in 2019. Despite many hurdles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, they have successfully created spaces with specialist equipment to enhance the services Nightingale House provides to patients and their families living with life-limiting conditions.
In her speech, Eluned Griffiths, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said, “The completed modernisation of the hospice ensures that Nightingale House has excellent state-of-the-art facilities which will enable the provision of sustainable patient care for the foreseeable future. This would not have been achievable without the magnificent financial donations from trusts, foundations, corporations, and individuals and the continued support of the people of our community. Unbelievably, all during a cost-of-living crisis.”
In a poignant moment during the speeches, Andrea Chesworth shared how the hospice became a refuge for her dad during his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis and helped her family cope during a difficult time: “We were at a loss as to what to do next when a family friend, who was a nurse here, suggested we get in contact with Nightingale. He was invited for a visit. Dad was not up for it at all. I persuaded him to go and try it, and he never had to go again if he hated it… He loved it!
“My family, like many before us, owes Nightingale House so much. Look what we can all achieve if we put our hard work and ideas together. This is a wonderful place that we need to cherish.”
Guests had tours of the hospice, with talks from different departments explaining how the various facilities have already and will continue to benefit patients. Paula Pritchard, Clinical Services and Patient Flow Lead, explained, “The recent four-phase modernisation project at Nightingale House Hospice has been nothing short of transformative for both patients and their families. One of the stand-out features is the state-of-the-art bathing facility that offers not just cleanliness but a therapeutic, spa-like experience complete with soothing music and ambient lighting. The rooms have been reimagined to offer a sense of spaciousness and luxury, providing a comforting retreat for those staying at the hospice.
“Stepping outside, the garden creates a blissful sanctuary where patients and their loved ones can sit. These wonderful enhancements to Nightingale House Hospice are more than just physical improvements—they are a beacon of hope and comfort that will continue to touch lives for many years to come.”
During the tours, guests spoke to patients as well as clinicians. In the Inpatient Unit, Clayton spoke to the guests about his experience at the hospice, sharing, “This place is simply wonderful! The hospice has been there for me throughout my ups and downs, supporting my journey for several years. The Wellbeing Programme has helped me have a positive outlook and make connections with people going through similar things to me. They have helped me manage my symptoms through rehabilitation and complementary therapies, as well as providing a home away from home when I needed to come for respite. When they invited me in this time, I couldn’t say no… I love this place and the people here too much.”
